From what I understand, once you are cleared for PT the proper course is scar management from 1 day after sutures are removed, gentle ROM, massage, and nerve glides for the first 3-4 weeks, then some very light and easy strengthening exercises from 6-7 weeks until 12 weeks gradually increasing reps and weight. You should never be in pain and the point should be to correct poor posture, to stabilize your shoulder blades, and to reset the pain cycle. Ultrasound or e-stim can be helpful for the pain cycle I've been told but it never really worked for me. It sounds like your PT doesn't really know what they're doing so they're treating you like most other post-op people. I've had two shoulder surgeries and they get into strengthening right away and that works for those types of surgeries but TOS is a whole other beast.
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Originally Posted by romans8
Thanks so much for the response. I think I need to get a new physical therapist. I do not think he does much with massage. Occasionally he will give me a few minutes of the ultrasound or whatever that thing is they rub on you after putting on some gel. It does not feel like it does anything though. He does ice down my shoulder and puts heat on my neck. Most of his focus has been on shoulder range of motion and I have been doing the neck exercises on my own.
I have been on Baclofen for 8 months or so and it does not feel like it is effective any longer. Maybe I should switch to Soma as I have read where you can build up a resistance to a MR if taken too long. One doctor told me some MRs can give you depression and I don't need that right now but perhaps Soma is worth a try. I do think spasms are what is occuring and they in turn cause nerve pain for a little while. I know they are highly addictive but I wonder how a low dose of benzodiazipines would work until I get further along.
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